There’s always a certain aesthetic to Putumayo CDs. They’re usually 10 tracks of well-researched, sometimes rare material by artists who have helped shape a style of music. The discs and digital downloads come with an informative multipage booklet introducing the genre and each artist. In the case of Blues Café, Putumayo has assembled these 10 tracks you can enjoy over a glass of fine wine and a conversation you don’t have to shout over. It’s not rowdy house party music to pay the rent, but everything fits together so well that it practically glides from start to finish.

Most blues fans will instantly recognize names like Lightnin’ Hopkins, Buddy Guy, Junior Wells, Muddy Waters and James Cotton. Of interest to Louisiana blues devotees is collaborating cousins Alabama Slim and Little Freddie King on their 2007 recording “I Got the Blues,” which originally appeared on the nonprofit Music Maker Foundation imprint. As Alabama Slim sings the title catchphrase, King exhibits cool tones with his guitar playing.

While most of these names will likely be familiar, a few may not. “Good Morning Love” by French natives Arnaud Fradin & His Roots Combo ranks among the coolest with its lazy, unhurried stroll. “Comin’ Home to You” by John Dee Holeman & The Waifs doesn’t need any additive to fuel its deceptive acoustic groove. Given her pristine Piedmont picking style on “Going Down the Road,” North Carolina’s Algia Mae Hinton is another such find.

Past or present, with blues you’re never done exploring, but this certainly helps. What also helps is that a percentage of these proceeds will benefit Music Maker, which provides financial support to elderly blues musicians.